Ventures
S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 | VO L U M E L I I | N U M B E R 1
In This Issue: Note From the Editor ������������������������������ 2 Letter from the Chair ������������������������������ 3 Meet the 2023-2024 NE Executive Committee ��������������������� 4 When You Don’t Have Time for a Break, Take Two ���������������� 8 How to Organize Your Days So You Don’t Get Overwhelmed �����9 Don’t Deplete Your Personal Battery! ������������������������������������ 10 How to Celebrate Your Wins; Even the Small Ones �������������������������������11 Product Reviews ��������������������������������������12 Reflection and Gratitude: Focusing on the Things That Bring You Joy ����������������������������������13 Caring for Yourself When Your Full-Time Job is Caring for Others ������������������������������������14 Using Systems to Help Free Up Your Time �����������������������������������15 Learning to Love the Small Steps ��� 16 Energize Your Work with AI and ChatGPT? ������������������������17
How to Stay on a Watermelon Sugar High:
News from Your Policy Advocacy Leader �����������������������������������18
G E TT I N G A N D STAY I N G E N E RG I Z E D
2022 - 2023 NE Award Recipients ��� 19 Upcoming Events ����������������������������������� 20
Ventures SUMMER 2023
Note From the Editor L E DA M E D I N A RDN, LDN, CDCES NEWSLETTER EDITOR
EDITOR Leda Medina, RDN, LDN, CDCES
INCOMING EDITOR Ashley Deno
EDITORIAL BOARD 2023-2024 Lauri Egan, RDN, CPT Jessica Oswald, MS, RDN/LD Leah Tsui, MS, RDN Stephanie Dorfman, MS, RD Jeani Hunt, MS, RD, CD The newsletter pertains to the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and reproduction rights are reserved. Publication of an advertisement in the Ventures newsletter should not be considered as an endorsement of the product or advertiser by the DPG. Viewpoints and statements in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect policies and/or positions of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. © 2022 Nutrition Entrepreneurs. All rights reserved.
WE WELCOME FEEDBACK FROM OUR MEMBERS. PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR: Leda Medina, RDN, LDN, CDCES newsletter@nedpg.org
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS: Email NEadmin@NEdpg.org
Enjoying our new layout? Snap a selfie with this magazine in a fun place and post it to IG or Facebook with #VenturesNEwhere
2 | nedpg.org
Just like that, we are in the middle of 2023 and the beginning of a new NE season! As a nutrition entrepreneur, you may feel challenged by endless to-do lists and skill sets that you have yet to master. Have no fear; the NE community is here to help you through it. I am excited as your new editor to bring relevant and refreshing topics for you to learn and grow from, and also to help you thrive in your business ventures. Summer is a time of excitement, adventure and a time to GET ENERGIZED. What better way to get energized than by eating watermelon on a hot summer day? Summer is my favorite season because I get to make watermelon everything - from watermelon popsicles for my boo-boo head, Capone (my dog), to mouth-quenching watermelonginger-pineapple drinks - recipe courtesy of mi madre (my mom). But just like watermelon takes time, patience and effort to harvest, so do we. As nutrition entrepreneurs, we are talented and multifaceted individuals with vast knowledge, services and skill sets to offer. I truly believe as dietitians, we genuinely want to help each person around us
live a healthy and happy life. At times, we may even overextend ourselves in an attempt to help everyone we can. For this reason, this summer’s theme is “How to Stay On a Watermelon Sugar High: Getting and Staying Energized.” Let’s dive deeper into taking care of ourselves in order to stay energized so we can pour creative juices into our businesses and continue to support our communities. With this summer issue, you will find tips on how to fill your cup, how to celebrate yourself and how to make your life easier using systems. I hope you infuse some of the tips below into your personal and business life. My desire is for our community of RDNs’ minds, bodies and souls to prosper so we can thrive as nutrition entrepreneurs and continue to help the communities around us prosper. Leda Medina, RDN, LDN, CDCES, founder of Dietitian Your Way, a referral website connecting Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to clients with the goal of helping RDNs thrive in their own businesses. When she isn’t working to help our communities’ health one dietitian at a time, she is spending time with her English Bull Dog, Capone.
Letter from the Chair J E S S I CA OSWA L D MS, RDN/LD CHAIR
Hello, nutrition entrepreneurs and visionaries! Welcome to the summer issue of Ventures. The theme for this issue is “How to Stay on a Watermelon Sugar High: Getting and Staying Energized.” This is a perfect theme for going into the summer and, eventually, having to gear up for fall. How is it that no matter how long you’ve been out of school, the summer still carries that feeling of fun and slowing down? As I was thinking about this theme, I wondered “What does Harry Styles say about the meaning of ‘watermelon sugar high’?” He gives a couple of different meanings but the one I’m choosing is that watermelon sugar high is about “the sweetness of life.” When you think about it, being energized is part of the sweetness of life. Getting and staying energized might be harder and might not be so sweet and that’s why we’re doing this issue! This issue is packed full of tips on getting and staying energized. Jessica Corwin, director of member services, encourages you to “find your flow.” Kimberly Marsh, Nominating Committee member, gives you some tips to combat burnout. Leslie Weidner, website coordinator, discusses some systems that she uses to help her free up some time. These are just a few of the awesome articles that you’ll find in this issue. Also, take some time to get to know the members of your 2023-2024 NE DPG Executive Committee; there are fun little bios about each of us in this newsletter. For me, it’s often the smaller, daily things that help me get and stay energized. I thought I’d share a few with all of you. Here are some of the little things I do (almost) daily to keep myself energized: y Eye masks. The first thing that I do when I get up is put in my contacts and put on my eye mask. For me, it’s
a perfect start to the day. The eye masks feel nice and cool against my skin and it’s an easy way to start the day with a little self-care. y Physical activity. To me, it’s important to move my body in some way every day. I lean on Peloton to get my physical activity in, and one of my favorite instructors, Callie, has the perfect message for us. In every class, typically toward the end, she reminds you to BYOE - Bring Your Own Energy. y Journal. I’ll be honest; I don’t do this every day. I do wish that I did. On days that I journal, I feel lighter. It’s a great tool to get the things out of my head that are taking up too much space. y The Today Show. I’m fortunate that I work from home and can work from the couch. I don’t particularly like to start the workday from my desk and neither does one of my cats, Snugs. Our routine is to grab my work computer, sit on the couch, turn on The Today Show, and work on some easy tasks. Snugs can usually be found across my lap trying to play with the keyboard or the touch screen.
y Read. Let’s add one more thing to “read” - read FOR FUN! I try to read a little bit every day for fun. For me, reading for fun is a great way to wind down from the day. My favorite books ever are The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman. What little things do you do to stay energized? I’d love to know so please share on Instagram with a picture of your Ventures and tag us @nutritionentrepreneurs. Jessica Oswald, MS, RDN/LD, is a dietitian living in Fort Worth. Her primary dietitian role is as a pediatric dietitian at a small hospital for children with developmental disabilities. Jessica also owns her own business, Friendly Nutrition, which has recently gone through a change in direction and is now focusing on meal planning. Jessica is obsessed with Peloton (yes, it’s a problem) - you can find her on the leaderboard as @Go_JesO_Go.
nedpg.org | 3
Meet the 2023-2024 NE Executive Committee Past Chair: Stephanie Dorfman, MS, RD, is passionate about all things wellness, running outdoors, puppies, seltzer and spreading all of the joy. Stephanie is the owner of Stephanie Dorfman Nutrition and also works for a corporate food service company. When she's not working or snuggling with her puppy Norman, you can find her running (usually in Astoria or Central Park), baking challah, or laughing with family and friends. During the summer months, look for her at her favorite sleep-away summer camp, where her family still works and where her grandparents met. Stephanie loves being able to combine all her passions into her profession every day.
Chair-Elect: Leah Tsui, MS, RDN, LDN is the owner of Limitless Nutrition, where she does 1:1 virtual counseling, corporate workshops, and consults for several start-ups. Leah combines her love of sports nutrition with an intuitive eating approach. She’s also the partnerships + outreach coordinator for Weight Inclusive Nutrition and Dietetics (WIND). In her time off from being an RDN, you can find her coaching functional fitness at her favorite gym, reading a book (or two!) for the book clubs she's in, or running along the beach.
Chair: Jessica Oswald, MS, RDN/LD, is a dietitian living in Fort Worth. Her primary dietitian role is as a pediatric dietitian at a small hospital for children with developmental disabilities. Jessica also owns her own business, Friendly Nutrition, which has recently gone through a change in direction and is now focusing on meal planning. Jessica is obsessed with Peloton (yes, it’s a problem) - you can find her on the leaderboard as @Go_JesO_Go.
Treasurer: Maria Morgan-Bathke, MBA, PhD, RD, CD, LD, FAND, received a B.S. in Dietetics with a minor in Spanish from UW-Stout in May 2009. She received her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Cancer Biology from the University of Arizona in July 2013 and her MBA with an emphasis in health care management from Viterbo University in 2020. Maria also recently started her own business.
Secretary: Aderet Dana Hoch, MS, RD, CDN, lives in New York and Tel Aviv, Israel. Aderet has been a practicing RD for over two years. She is the owner of Dining with Nature by Aderet and works full time for a health tech company. You can just as easily find her roaming around the farmer’s market as you can with a glass of white wine in hand while binge watching Chopped.
Director of Member Services: Jessica Corwin, MPH, RDN - Despite transitioning away from entrepreneurial work this year as Jessica jumps into new roles in the field of Women's Health, she couldn't pass up the opportunity to give back to a DPG that has inspired her for over one decade. The variety and depth of information shared in this group is just incredible, whether you are an entrepreneur or not! Jessica has 15+ years of experience in public health, culinary medicine, group education, as well as writing and editing. That being said, she works hard in order to play hard, soaking up the sun on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan with her three children, husband, and boxer dog.
4 | nedpg.org
Director Elect of Member Services: Originally from Quito, Ecuador and raised in Chicago, Gabriela Naveda is an entrepreneur committed to a life-long mission of providing health supportive and disease preventative services to her community. Gabriela looks forward to learning from NE members regarding the tools needed for their continued growth and she is eager to continue making this community strong. She enjoys weightlifting, gardening, cooking, the great outdoors, and all activities promoting rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.
Education Coordinator: Debbie Memmer, MS, RDN, LD, has enjoyed many years as a clinical dietitian, preceptor and educator, but her passion lies with counseling CKD patients. She loves how others react when they realize the impact correct food choices could make on their lives. Debbie lives in Ohio with her husband. They are empty nesters as their children are exploring and building their lives. She loves to travel to visit family and enjoy other climates.
Director of Mentor Services: Larissa M. Loufman, MPH, RD, CLC, CCRC, owner of The Global Harvest RD. Larissa has been strongly influenced by her Ukrainian heritage and loves learning about different cultures, languages, history and foods on her international travels. She will meet you anywhere there is a beach, water and sunshine.
Delegate: Elizabeth Reed, MPH, RDN, CNSC, owner of Apple a Day Nutrition Consulting, LLC since 2004. After raising two daughters with celiac disease she opened a gluten-free baking company and provides classes and tours for gluten-free living. Elizabeth can be found hiking the Flatirons and zooming around Boulder with her husband on their electric bikes. Combining work and pleasure this year she will be traveling to the Amalfi Coast for a conference then off to Machu Picchu this fall to hike with friends - all fueled by a love of great food and continued learning from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Policy Advocacy Leader: Susan Adams, MS, RD, LDN, FAND, is a Registered Dietitian who consults with assisted living accounts and an educator at La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that specializes in educating the next generation of nutrition professionals. She believes that food and nutrition heals others and enjoys helping the next generation and the greatest generation. Susan loves potatoes and has never met a potato that she didn’t like.
Director of Communications: Jeani Hunt, MS, RD, CD, is owner and CEO at VeggieLush Nutrition, where she specializes in women’s health nutrition. When she’s not talking about, thinking about or eating food, she’s flying high in the air as an aerial circus artist or cooking and going on adventures with her husband, one-year-old daughter, and dog.
Newsletter Editor: Leda Medina, RDN, LDN, CDCES, founder of Dietitian Your Way, a referral website connecting Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to clients with the goal of helping RDNs thrive in their own businesses. When she isn’t working to help our communities’ health one dietitian at a time, she is spending time with her English Bull Dog, Capone.
nedpg.org | 5
...CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Incoming Newsletter Editor: Ashley Deno has a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics and is currently studying for the RD exam. She currently works as a consultant in longterm care. She is passionate about helping people in her community understand the importance of nutrition. On her days off you can find her by the pool or at the beach.
CPE Coordinator: Heather Rudalavage, RDN, LDN, is the founder of Intuitive Nutrition. When she isn't working to help clients legalize carbohydrates and feel good in their bodies, she is probably traveling. She is married to her high-school sweetheart, so while she can't give you dating advice, she has traveled to over 20 countries, so if you want tips on touring Italy to India, she is your gal.
Website Coordinator: Leslie Weidner, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a virtual practice where she provides 1:1 nutrition coaching for women in perimenopause. She enjoys helping women over 40 learn how to eat in a healthy, balanced way that supports their hormonal health without any strict rules or diets. Leslie is passionate about the principles of mindful and intuitive eating, which she discusses often on her IG and FB accounts. On the weekends, you can find Leslie hanging out with her husband and watching their two boys play basketball, football, baseball or soccer, depending on the season.
PR Marketing Coordinator: Sarah Whipkey, RDN/LD, is the owner of The Plant Potential, a virtual private practice specializing in plant-based nutrition. After 30+ years as a Texan, she and her family recently relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado. Beyond her passion of all things plant-based, Sarah enjoys biking, hiking, Pilates and is hoping to start rock climbing.
Director of Meetings: After years of experience as a personal trainer, dietitian and health coach, Pam Cornelius, RD/LDN, just launched Pam Cornelius Nutrition, LLC in Charlotte, North Carolina. She offers fun, educational and supportive virtual diabetes prevention, weight management and behavior change classes. She is excited to be part of such a dynamic DPG and looks forward to learning from and connecting with NE’s many inspirational dietitians.
Incoming Director of Meetings: Katie Breazeale, MS, RD, LD, lives in Texas. Katie loves to play tennis and plays on a USTA league team. When she is not working you can find her shopping for shoes, playing with her two children, or reading a book.
Member Awards: Yvette Quantz, RDN, LDN, will never turn down an invitation to connect over coffee. Serving as NE's Member Awards Chair, she loves supporting dietitians working to make an impact. When not supporting her clients, colleagues, or community to nourish an elevated life with words, food, and service, she's soaking up time and sharing adventures with the people she loves.
6 | nedpg.org
Director of Sponsorship: Jessica Kelly, RDN, LDN, currently works as a contract dietitian for Dietitians on Demand at a site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She counsels clients with DM and/or HTN and CHF. She also sees clients for 1:1 counseling sessions in her private practice, Nutrition That Heals Powered by Berry Street. She is so honored to be a part of the NE community again this year and so excited to continue to get involved. When she is not working, she can be found spending quality time with her boyfriend (Bernard), cat (Gary), and golden retriever (Lola) in their new home in Lancaster City.
Incoming Director of Sponsorship: Kelly Powers, MA, RDN, founder of Weeknight Dinners – a weekly plan to help you save time and money in the kitchen - is In love with Italy and Italian food culture. In addition to her love for the Mediterranean, Kelly enjoys cooking for others, taking urban hikes in San Francisco and classic Pilates.
IDEA Liaison: Andrea Massop Ramos, MCN - founder and CEO of Healthy FRIENDZ Nutritio LLC. When not working she can be found traveiing abroad, gardening, playing tennis or salsa dancing. Special family time is spent with her five grandchildren.
Nominating Committee: Jessica Beardsley, MS, RD, LDN, private practice dietitian, loves to help her clients be free from dieting while partnering with them on their journey to intuitive eating. After six months in Australia, Jessica is back in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where she is enjoying driving on the right side of the road again. You might find Jessica dancing in her kitchen, climbing rocks or jumping on the trampoline with her kids.
Nominating Committee: Kimberly Marsh, MS, RD, blogger, loves to be outdoors, just not camping. While not very good at any of these, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, paddleboarding, and in general appreciating our beautiful world. Luckily, her home in Colorado affords ample opportunities for these activities.
Nominating Committee: Stacie Smith, MS, RD, LD, is the co-owner of Revitalized Health and Wellness Counseling, LLC, a nutrition counseling business she operates with her sister, who is also a Registered Dietitian. As an avid baker and gardener, Stacie enjoys spending time experimenting in the kitchen and working to support the ecosystem in her home state of Texas.
Executive Director: Lauri Egan, RDN, CPT, considers herself lucky to be constantly involved with today’s nutrition giants pushing the boundaries. She dubs herself a connoisseur of great sunrises, dark chocolate and sidewalk chalk art. When not on the computer, she can be found strumming a guitar, creating impromptu workouts with her kids and, of course, cooking in the kitchen.
nedpg.org | 7
Words of Wisdom from One Frazzled Female to Another: “When You Don’t Have Time for a Break, Take Two.” J E S S I CA CO RWI N MPH, RDN DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES
There is a Zen proverb that goes something like this: “If you don't have time to meditate for an hour every day, you should meditate for two.” As a young entrepreneur, when I first heard this quote, I simply didn’t get it. Why would anyone possibly take twice as long to do something a person could do in half the time? At that point in my life, I had the time and brainspace to do it all - to network and create and learn and take a nap if necessary (#prekids). Yet I had zero recognition as to how much of a luxury that was.
Fast forward one decade and three kids later, my brain is on overdrive. ALL. THE. TIME. Working multiple jobs, volunteering for PTO and a couple of great groups (I see you, NE!), raising a family, meal planning, grocery finagling, cleaning, scheduling, emailing, and well over 35,000 decisions daily (researchers estimate this to be the number of decisions the average adult makes each day and yet entrepreneurial moms are far from average!). When my brain is full, I have zero space left for creativity, patience, or for the joyous drive that led me to take on the project in the first place. When my brain is full, I feel frazzled and despite my best efforts, I end up spinning my wheels and wasting time I don’t have. This makes me feel even more frazzled and the cycle continues. This is where the proverb comes into play. Rather than taking twice the amount of time to complete a task in an overwhelmed state, I could have given myself the chance to clear my head prior to the task and likely STILL saved time by completing it with a clear head. In order to wipe the slate clean and clear your mind, the proverb suggests meditation. Meditation is nothing more than a mindfulness practice. A state of being, focusing on … well, nothing. Meditation invites you to empty your anxious thoughts as your brain enters a state of flow. Flow is defined as “being in the zone” by “Positive Psychology” website, (https://positivepsychology.com/whatis-flow/) where you find yourself lost in an activity, “fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus” and all the while enjoying the process. For me, I find flow in a variety of means. It might be meditation or it might be a
8 | nedpg.org
hike down the dunes to Lake Michigan, breathing in rhythm with the waves. Other times, I may escape into a book (lately it’s Switchboard Soldiers and Fiber Fueled) or crank music up loud enough to override my anxious thoughts. More recently, I might lose myself in the garden - dig, pull, plant, dig, pull, plant. The mindless rhythm and physical exhaustion are absolutely therapeutic. What does “flow” look like for you? Running through the trees? Painting the scene outside your window? Organizing your pantry? I urge you to think that question through. Find your flow. And if you don’t have time for one hour, make it two.
Jessica Corwin, MPH, RDN - Despite transitioning away from entrepreneurial work this year as Jessica jumps into new roles in the field of Women's Health, she couldn't pass up the opportunity to give back to a DPG that has inspired her for over one decade. The variety and depth of information shared in this group is just incredible, whether you are an entrepreneur or not! Jessica has 15+ years of experience in public health, culinary medicine, group education, as well as writing and editing. That being said, she works hard in order to play hard, soaking up the sun on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan with her three children, husband, and boxer dog.
How to Organize Your Days so You Don’t Get Overwhelmed L EA H TS U I MS, RDN, LDN
Chair-Elect
When I first started my private practice (PP) in the early days of the pandemic, I was making myself available at all hours on all days to my clients. I would hop from email to nutrition consult to presentation, then somehow back to email again, while trying to do a load of laundry and get ready just in time for my next nutrition consult. I thought that I had to make myself as available as possible so clients could see me whenever they needed me and I’d bend over backward to accommodate them. Fast forward three years later, I feel overwhelmed thinking about those times. It took a lot of trial and error to get to where I am today, and learning that I didn’t have to have my nutrition entrepreneurship journey be the same pattern of burnout before I had my PP. I’m also grateful to my RD colleagues who were wonderful examples of boundaries and preventing burnout, and also to the ones who were struggling alongside me as we figured it out together. Poring over Facebook group posts and NE forums where I talked with other RDs helped me get ideas of what I’d like to strive toward, and what I
knew I wanted to leave out of my own practice. I learned that I could set a limit on which days I’d see clients and set a cap on how many I would see in one day. Having my PP further solidified that I get intentional movement first thing in the morning before I look through emails and start thinking about my to-do list. And realizing that I needed to schedule my lunch break as a time-block on my calendars so I’d have time to rest and eat. My biggest lesson: experiment, experiment, experiment. You know yourself best, not what other people are sharing what’s worked for them. I like to use the following reflection questions when I feel some overwhelm beginning so I can course-correct: 1W hen am I feeling my best in the day? » What time of day should I see clients/have meetings/ respond to emails? » Does time-blocking your days in half help you feel more productive? 2W hen am I feeling my best throughout the week? » Are there certain days that I want to dedicate to clients? » Specific days that I want as admin time?
3D o I have white space on my calendar? » Having every single half-hour blocked out doesn’t allow for time to rest and recharge between meetings, nor having a bio-break to go pee and grab a snack. 4W here is my CEO time? » When are you setting aside time to work ON your business, rather than IN your business? 5W hen am I turning off work-mode and turning on home-mode? » Even though I’m working from home, time spent between work obligations should not turn into household chores. » Do I have an external reminder to signal to my body and mind that the workday is over? My days and weeks have looked very different. My present pattern is already altered from six months ago, which has evolved immensely from when I first started. I know it’s not permanent; I’ll keep evolving as my business evolves, as it will continue to be an ongoing process. Treat each day, each week, each month as a learning experience, so you can avoid overwhelm.
Leah Tsui, MS, RDN, LDN is the owner of Limitless Nutrition, where she does 1:1 virtual counseling, corporate workshops, and consults for several start-ups. Leah combines her love of sports nutrition with an intuitive eating approach. She’s also the partnerships + outreach coordinator for Weight Inclusive Nutrition and Dietetics (WIND). In her time off from being an RDN, you can find her coaching functional fitness at her favorite gym, reading a book (or two!) for the book clubs she's in, or running along the beach.
nedpg.org | 9
Don’t Deplete Your Personal Battery! K I M B E R LY M A RS H MS, RD NOMINATING COMMITTEE
“Burnout is the result of too much energy output and not enough energy self-invested.” MELISSA STEGINUS
I recently took a plug-in, hybrid vehicle on a drive in the mountains. The uphill portions quickly depleted the battery and gas. But the battery would recharge up to about 20% going downhill - enough to reduce my gas mileage by two-thirds. Then I could fully recharge when plugged in. Being an entrepreneur can be a bit like my mountain drive. There are hard, uphill slogs that drain our physical, emotional and mental “batteries.” We also have downhill phases where momentum can take over and give our batteries a boost. But we also need real rest to fully recharge; otherwise, we burn out and give up. Here are seven tips I’ve found helpful in combating burnout. y Be intentional with breaks and self-care. When you are taking a break or doing something for yourself, be 100% present. Don’t be checking work emails while getting your pedicure. Plan your rest with activities that make you feel regenerated. Don’t waste a break mindlessly scrolling social media. Take time to acknowledge that you are doing this on purpose. Don’t beat yourself up the whole time that you should be working. y Get back to the basics. Adequate sleep, exercise, good nutrition and hydration go a long way in preventing burnout. You get out what you put into yourself. So, have good sleep hygiene, find exercise
10 | nedpg.org
you enjoy, and practice what you preach about eating to feel better. After I had my baby, I was feeling really overwhelmed. For a whole day, my husband either made me eat, drink water, or sleep. By the end of 24 hours, I was a new person. y Don’t be an island. Feeling alone contributes to stress and overwhelm. Join a mastermind or Facebook group of fellow dietitians in your practice area or location. Chat in the NE forums. You are never alone and don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. y Practice gratitude. I have used a variety of gratitude practices over the years, from long meditations or focused journaling to just one word a day. All have the power to lighten my spirit and help switch an uphill into a downhill road. Try an app, a cute journal, scraps of paper, or whatever works for you. y Use momentum. Find small accomplishments that can give you mini-recharges throughout the day. When I am blogging, I like to almost finish a blog post one day. The next day I can quickly get it posted and I feel on a roll and motivated to start another post. Set timers on draining tasks like email, so you don’t deplete your energy. y Outsource. Outsource whatever activities you can in your business or
personal life. Hire a virtual assistant. Use a meal delivery service. Get house cleaners. Send out your laundry. Reducing the mental list of tasks to be done helps keep your battery charged longer. y Say no. It is important to set boundaries. Don’t take on an extra consulting gig that will stretch you past your limits. You don’t have to be the room mom at the school. You don’t have to host a big holiday party. Focus on what matters most and let the rest go. Burnout is real. You cannot just push through it. You cannot push yourself to the breaking point and then take a big break. Real breaks AND intentional small activities to partially recharge are both important. Fuel up and get back out there! Kimberly Marsh, MS, RD, blogger, loves to be outdoors, just not camping. While not very good at any of these, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, paddleboarding, and in general appreciating our beautiful world. Luckily, her home in Colorado affords ample opportunities for these activities.
How to Celebrate Your Wins; Even the Small Ones SA R A H WH I P K E Y RDN/LD PR MARKETING COORDINATOR
Entrepreneurship is a labor of love, but is also filled with challenges, frustrations and sometimes tears. We put so much of ourselves into our businesses that it can be easy to overlook our successes - especially the little ones. However, it doesn't matter how big or small the win is; taking the time to acknowledge your accomplishments is important and can help you stay motivated and on track to achieve your goals. I started my insurance-based, virtual, private practice at the end of 2021 and it has been TOUGH. The learning curve has been steep and things (usually) don’t go as planned. However, when I sit and intentionally reflect on what all has occurred in the past year and a half, I realize just how much I’ve accomplished. I set up an LLC, got my NPIs, credentialed with insurance companies, got clients, got follow-up clients, filed insurance claims - and got paid! I have worked hard and learned many things that were never covered in school or my internship. Not to mention this was done with two kids under five, putting our house on the market, and moving to a new state. Here are a few tips I use to help recognize my wins, even the small ones: 1 Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishment. What did you do to achieve it? What challenges did you overcome? What did you learn from the experience? Taking the time to reflect on your success can help you appreciate your own hard work and dedication. 2 Give yourself a high five/pat on the back/fist bump. Tell yourself (really - like out loud) that you did a good job, and be proud of what you've achieved. 3 Reward yourself. One of the best ways to celebrate your wins is to reward yourself with something you enjoy. This could be anything from taking a break to do
something you love, to treating yourself to a small gift. Rewarding yourself will help you associate positive feelings with achieving your goals, which will make you more motivated to keep going. 4 Share your win with others. Talking about your accomplishments with others can help you feel even more proud of yourself. Share your win with your friends, family or colleagues, and let them know how hard you worked to achieve it. The NE community wants to know! 5 Keep track of your wins. Jot your successes down in a journal or on a whiteboard. This will help you see how far you've come and remind you of all the things you've accomplished. 6 Make it a habit. You should celebrate yourself on a regular basis, not just when you’ve achieved a major goal. 7 Don’t compare yourself to others. If I could super-bold this one I would. Comparison is the thief of
joy. Everyone’s journey is different and you never know the privileges and challenges that others face. Celebrating all your wins, even the small ones, is important for your mental and emotional health. It can help you stay motivated, boost your self-confidence, and build momentum toward your business goals. Those of us who work with clients encourage them to follow this same advice, so make sure you’re practicing what you preach. Sarah Whipkey, RDN/LD, is the owner of The Plant Potential, a virtual private practice specializing in plant-based nutrition. After 30+ years as a Texan, she and her family recently relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado. Beyond her passion of all things plant-based, Sarah enjoys biking, hiking, Pilates and is hoping to start rock climbing.
nedpg.org | 11
Product Reviews Title: Can You Be Alone With a Bowl of Chocolate? Strengthening Healthy Food Choices Author: Irene Berman-Levine, Ph.D., RDN Date: June 9, 2023 Publisher: Irene Berman-Levine, Ph.D., RDN, Nutrition Program Planning (self-published) Price: $24.99 Review: Tools, tips, resources … oh. my! As dietitians, it seems like we are always on the lookout for new ways to reach, connect and help our clients achieve a healthy relationship with food while helping them create a base of lifestyle skills in an effective way. I am always excited when I learn about a new resource to help with this endeavor. This book got me very excited about adding a new resource to my nutrition counseling toolkit. This practical and positive book is an invaluable resource to anyone wanting to gain insights, skills and tools to help reframe how a person looks at, behaves with, and thinks about food. Not only that, this book is great for anyone who wants to help others (e.g. clients) gain insights, skills and tools to help reframe how they (clients) look at, behave with and think about food. I realize that is a bold statement, but it is accurate. The author created a resource that not only provides a lot of information that she has gleaned from 40+ years working in nutrition counseling. The author crafted a book that is very practical, which really could be called a book/workbook. There are myriad topics covered along with prompts for the reader to apply the topics, complemented by insights and comments that are offered by the author that give an extra dimension. These author’s comments actually serve (in my opinion) as a “voice of a companion.” This dimension is an added element that provides some candid perspectives from someone “in the business” of nutrition with a very personal angle that allows the readers to feel as if the author is on the journey with them. This is very effective and unique. This book covers 12 chapters which all focus on critical areas in “strengthening healthy food choices.” They range from exploring long-term goals, self-talk, overall health behavior change, factors that influence your environment and food choices, portion control, dining out, dining at home, how stress impacts food choices, planning, etc. These may seem like topics found in other books of this type, but the thing that distinguishes this book from others is the use of practical applications through writing prompts and other very personal thought exercises, assessments, etc. These are offered in every chapter so the reader can get the most out of the book and have the most personal way of applying all the material and topics. Whenever I review a product or resource, I always ask myself “How could this be improved or modified to be more effective or better?” I can’t think of anything for this book. I think it is just right the way it is. I can see myself using this book for my clients AND for myself. If you are looking for something to supplement or bolster your nutrition practitioner toolkit, I recommend picking up a copy of Can You Be Alone With a Bowl of Chocolate? Strengthening Healthy Food Choices. Reviewer: Toni Toledo, MPH, RDN Title: Instructor, San Jose State University and podcast host for PATH Positive Approaches To Health podcast and RDN for Teen Kitchen Project Affiliation: San Jose State University, PATH Podcast, and Teen Kitchen Project
Attention!
We are looking for dietitians who want to review products created by NE dietitians. If you would like to have a product reviewed or know another NE member who has a product they would like reviewed, please feel free to reach out to us. Please contact us via email for further information at: newsletter@nedpg.org.
12 | nedpg.org
Reflection and Gratitude: Focusing on the Things That Bring You Joy ST E P H A N I E D O R F M A N MS, RD PAST CHAIR
What brings you joy? What are you most grateful for? It’s not always easy to come up with an answer to those questions, but gratitude, joy, happiness and laughter are all such important pieces in the bigger picture of self care - for yourself and your business. I talk to clients a lot about reframing their thoughts and mindsets around food and body, but thought reframing can be helpful for gratitude as well. Many of us dietitians, I included, hold many jobs and volunteer positions, finding it hard to say no to an opportunity, etc. But what if we reframed the thoughts of What else can I do as a successful dietitian? to All of my hard work has led me here; what am I grateful for at this moment? I ask myself this question quite often. So, when it’s tough to remember the moments that brought a smile to your face or made you feel proud, try one of the activities listed below. Five activities to help you find gratitude and joy throughout your day: Journal: Keeping a journal is a wonderful way to reflect on your daily thoughts/events. Keep in mind
- what you write does not have to be grammatically correct or even make sense. You are not writing an essay, it will not be graded, or seen by anyone else (unless you choose to share it). Use journaling to remove thoughts from your mind and put them onto paper, or a note on your phone. I will say, journaling is not for everyone (I am not much of a journaler …), but for those who find joy in journaling, it is a great way to recall the positive, and maybe not so positive, happenings of the day and give yourself time to reflect on them. Use this time to free up brain space and reflect on the day. Gratitude Jar: When something happens during the day that you are proud of or happy with, write it down. Rip off a small piece of paper, write down what brought you joy or made you laugh, fold or crumple up the paper and throw it in a jar. When you’re feeling down or not having a great day, pull out one of those pieces of paper to lighten the mood and hopefully brighten your day. Call a Friend: My friend and I were both going through tough times in our jobs, so we scheduled time each day to either call or text each other with one positive thing that happened that day. Sometimes it was really difficult to come up with that one thing, but we always did. Occasionally, the one
good thing was speaking with one another but, overall, the time we spent reflecting on the good things in our days helped put a smile on our faces. Meditation: Similar to journaling, meditating can be whatever you want it to be. There are so many apps to download (some free) where you can listen to guided meditations or do breath work. But, you don’t actually have to follow the standard definition of meditation to meditate. For example, before you go to bed, take one minute to think about what you did that day. Or, while you’re cooking dinner, consider what made you laugh that day. All you need is a few moments of reflection. Schedule YOU Time: Block off time on your calendar, close your door, shut the computer, do whatever you have to do to make time for yourself and do what brings you joy. Get outside for a walk, watch your favorite TV show, read a book, take a nap. Whatever you love to do, schedule time for you to do it. You’ll be surprised how grateful you will be to yourself if you do.
Stephanie Dorfman, MS, RD, is passionate about all things wellness, running outdoors, puppies, seltzer and spreading all of the joy. Stephanie is the owner of Stephanie Dorfman Nutrition and also works for a corporate food service company. When she's not working or snuggling with her puppy Norman, you can find her running (usually in Astoria or Central Park), baking challah, or laughing with family and friends. During the summer months, look for her at her favorite sleep-away summer camp, where her family still works and where her grandparents met. Stephanie loves being able to combine all her passions into her profession every day.
nedpg.org | 13
Caring for Yourself When Your Full-Time Job is Caring for Others H EAT H E R R U DA L AVAG E RDN, LDN CPE COORDINATOR
It probably wouldn’t surprise you to hear that those in helping professions such as physicians, nurses, social workers and teachers are at highest risk when it comes to burnout. Most of us would agree that being a dietitian and/or a business owner can be pretty darn stressful too. As dietitians, we spend our days caring for others, but we deserve to turn some of that caring toward ourselves as well. Even if we were not dietitians, today’s fast-paced, stressful world makes self-care more important than ever. The term self-care can conjure up images of bubble baths and massages, and those are important, but what does self-care actually mean?
At its core, self-care means intentionally choosing actions that support your physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Melissa A. Fabello of Everyday Feminism defines self-care as “any set of practices that makes you feel nourished, whether that’s physically, emotionally, spiritually, all of the above.” Of course, this is going to mean different things to different people. There was a time when the idea of self-care was not only foreign to me but also felt like an impossible goal. Fortunately, I was privileged to be able to work with a life coach who helped me realize that I needed to fill my own pitcher so that the overflow
14 | nedpg.org
could “water” all the people around me. I had to start small. With a business and three young children, I carved out five minutes a day to journal and took a weekly creative writing class. I began to give my children the gift of independence; they learned they could do a load of laundry or pack their own lunches which in turn freed up a few precious minutes for me. Here are some ideas for incorporating self-care into your daily routine, (yes, daily!): 1 Sleep. Getting enough shut-eye is critical to your overall health and wellbeing. According to the CDC, adults need between seven to nine hours per night. If you have trouble falling asleep, create a bedtime routine just as you would for a small child. 2 Get a little movement in. You don’t have to hit the gym for hours or force yourself to do something you hate. The best exercise is the one you love doing. Whether that is walking with a friend, yoga or playing catch with your dog, try to get in at least 20-25 minutes a day, per the U.S. Department of Health. 3 Vitamin F. Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin “F”: friends, family, faith and fun. Most of us are good at being connected online, but in-person connection is important too. Move out from behind that screen and get out there. 4 Community Care. Community care happens when we work toward our own self-care while also supporting the care of our peers, friends, family and communities. Find and develop conscious networks of people to work toward personal and collective healing. Yashna Padamsee, of YP Consulting, a non-profit and movement organization, summed this up well: “It is our responsibility not as individuals but as communities
to create structures in which self-care changes to ‘community care,’ in which we are cared-for and able to care for others.” 5 Nourish Yourself. As dietitians, we know the importance of fueling our bodies. But food isn’t just about fuel; it’s supposed to be pleasurable too. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy; this is true when it comes to food too. Make sure your plate contains not just enough fuel but some pleasurable foods too. There is science behind including pleasure of any kind (including food) into our day. Pleasure leads to a release of dopamine; this in turn activates the reward pathways in the brain which helps promote happiness, calmness, motivation and focus. Self-care is as individual as a fingerprint. It doesn’t matter what you do but rather that you are doing something for yourself every day. Anything from creating boundaries with your loved ones or your business, to manicures and exercise, counts. Make it a part of your routine, like brushing your teeth or having a morning cup of coffee. Take a few minutes right now to think about what self-care means to you and make a plan to include it daily. Your mind and body will thank you. Heather Rudalavage, RDN, LDN, is the founder of Intuitive Nutrition. When she isn't working to help clients legalize carbohydrates and feel good in their bodies, she is probably traveling. She is married to her high-school sweetheart, so while she can't give you dating advice, she has traveled to over 20 countries, so if you want tips on touring Italy to India, she is your gal.
Using Systems to Help Free Up Your Time L E S L I E WE I D N E R RDN WEBSITE COORDINATOR
If you're anything like me, staying organized is the key to managing a successful business as a nutrition entrepreneur and a full-time mom of two boys. One way to do this is to have systems in place that help automate tasks, which in turn saves lots of time. Systems make things so much easier, and when things are easier, productivity tends to go up and stress levels tend to go down. Systems can also help you achieve your goals by having a clear plan with the exact steps to get there. Setting goals is important, but it's harder to actually meet these goals when you don't have a clear plan, similar to when you help a client reach a nutrition goal. Usually, you have to break it down into simpler steps. Having systems also helps if you delegate tasks to a virtual assistant or outsource certain areas of your business like taxes or accounting. When I started my nutrition business, I had so much unmanaged time that I didn't know what things to prioritize. I would just work on what I felt like I had time to do or just work on things I enjoyed doing, but that didn't make me money or move my business in the right direction. I knew I needed to establish some type of organizational system. I started by jotting down everything I did in my business and organized these by categories. Then I compiled a list of tools and resources to help me automate some of these tasks. Here are some specific examples of tools that I use in my online nutrition coaching business that saves me loads of time. You may not need all of these depending on the type of business you have, but it's a good place to start Client Management System (Practice Better, Kalix, Healthie) y Use to automate onboarding and offboarding process for 1:1 or group clients y Automate sending/receiving intake forms, accountability forms and other important documents
y Schedule, reschedule or cancel appointments Project or Task Management System (Click Up, Trello, Monday) y Organize daily, weekly and monthly tasks
area of my business to help when onboarding a VA or other type of assistance y Can also use Loom or Process Street for SOPs y Save brand images and messaging
y Create calendars or vision boards
y Brainstorm ideas or plan projects
y Delegate tasks to others like a virtual assistant (VA)
y Keep track of new leads
Content Creation Process (Google Drive, Canva, Trello) y Use Google Sheets to plan content each month y Use Google Docs to write and organize captions to repurpose into different types of posts (reels, carousels, photos, LIVES, etc.) y Schedule posts directly on IG or in FB group y Can also use a third-party scheduler like Later, Planoly or Plann y Create and organize graphics in Canva Email Marketing (MailerLite, SendGrid, Mailchimp) y Create sales funnels y Send newsletter bimonthly to subscribers y Save emails for any promotions or launches throughout the year y Use to collect email addresses from Facebook group (with their permissions) Calendar Management (Calendly, Google Calendar) y Use Calendly to schedule discovery calls due to its ease of use and potential clients familiarity
Establishing systems in your business not only saves you time, but it helps your business run more efficiently which in turn can help you earn more income. If productivity and staying organized as a nutrition entrepreneur is something you're struggling with, think about implementing some of the examples above. They can really make your business and your life much easier. Leslie Weidner, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a virtual practice where she provides 1:1 nutrition coaching for women in perimenopause. She enjoys helping women over 40 learn how to eat in a healthy, balanced way that supports their hormonal health without any strict rules or diets. Leslie is passionate about the principles of mindful and intuitive eating, which she discusses often on her IG and FB accounts. On the weekends, you can find Leslie hanging out with her husband and watching their two boys play basketball, football, baseball or soccer, depending on the season.
y Use Google calendar for scheduling anything other than scheduling discovery calls or client sessions Bookkeeping (Google Sheets, Quickbooks) y Keep track of income and expenses in Google sheets (currently I'm in the process of transitioning to Quickbooks as my business grows) Administrative/Business Planning (Google Docs, Microsoft Excel) y Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each nedpg.org | 15
Learning to Love the Small Steps JON LANMAN MS, RD, CEP GUEST AUTHOR
Up until about a week ago, I was ready to quit. I wanted to have my own private practice. I wanted to replace the income of my full-time inpatient position at the hospital. But, I was having my doubts. Was I really capable of this? Did I want it enough? Was it even worth it? Would people actually pay me to help them with diet and nutrition? At the moment, it was hard to believe. I started my journey to become an RD several years ago in my mid-thirties, leaving a career in online marketing with a vision of someday having a prosperous practice that actually helped people to live healthier lives. Now, here I was in my early forties, feeling uncertain about my choices. I had built myself an SEO-friendly website, optimized the content to reach my target audience, started a blog, set up directory listings, run some ads, written letters to doctors’ clinics, and was working my way through a list of marketing skills I knew. I was taking one step after another. But, I was beginning to doubt if they were working.
16 | nedpg.org
Then, suddenly things changed. It started with one client reaching out through my website. Then, somebody called. Then two more people reached out. Over the course of a few days, I went from wondering Will this ever work to thinking I may need to leave my job sooner than I thought. Suddenly, my hope was restored. I could do this. I was doing this.
still so far away. But, for some reason we kept on walking. We put one foot in front of the other and repeated, like we had done since the start of our adventure. Eventually, the heat subsided. In due time, we escaped from California. Then my back pain relented as we crossed into Washington. And on a cool, wet day in September we touched the Canadian border.
In these moments of doubt, I’m reminded of a simple lesson that always gives me comfort. There is no magic step. The magic happens when you take one step, then another, and you keep going. Magic happens when you learn to love the small steps.
As I look back at that moment, I’m reminded to love the small steps. They are the ones that are glorious. They are the ones I am most proud of when I look back on the path I’ve come. They are the ones my wife and I celebrated when we stood on the PCT terminus at the bookend of our adventure. They are the ones I encourage my clients to celebrate as well.
It’s a lesson I learned when hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with my wife in 2021. We started at the Mexican border in March and by July we had reached Mount Shasta in Northern California. After a day off in town, we were riding in a car back to the trail at 6 p.m. and it was 106 degrees. This was the second week-long heat wave we’d walked through in the course of a month and we weren’t sure how much more we could endure. We had already hiked 1,500 miles, but we had 1,150 more miles to go. The air was smoky. I had been suffering from sciatic pain in my right leg for the last 800 miles. Canada was
Jon Lanman, MS, RD, CEP, is the owner of High Desert Dietitians, LLC, based in Bend, Oregon. He specializes in nutrition for prediabetes and preventative health. He also works with dietitians to help them promote their businesses online through SEO and blogging.
Energize Your Work with AI and ChatGPT? Y VE TT E P E R R I E R Q UA N T Z RDN, LDN MEMBER AWARDS
In recent months there have been many talks (and controversies) about AI (artificial intelligence) and the use of ChatGPT in the health and wellness industry. Before diving deeper into this topic, let's start with a bit of ChatGPT 101. ChatGPT is an AI language model designed to understand and generate human-like text. View it as an intelligent computer program that can chat with you as a human would. It can answer questions, generate creative writing prompts, and more. The more you work with it, the more it learns to understand you and the better it can work for you. AI, including ChatGPT, has the potential to impact the health and wellness industry significantly. While there's still a lot to learn about how AI will be used in healthcare, there's no doubt it will change industry standards. As Registered Dietitians, we are leading the path as nutrition entrepreneurs, learning to understand, adapt and evolve with the science of technology is essential. Exploring and experimenting with the possibilities of new tech is one of the best ways to dive into new territory. What better time to dive in and have fun with AI and ChatGPT. While I plan to write future articles on how nutrition entrepreneurs can use AI and ChatGPT in their businesses, the first step is to get curious. What if AI and ChatGPT could be a tool to energize your work? What if you just started testing it out? Imagine the possibilities. Do you currently use Alexa, Siri or Google Assist for weather updates, to play music or tell a joke? If so, you are using AI. If not, start now. These voice agents can help boost your comfort and confidence in using AI and make it easier to transition when needed for your professional work.
Additional ideas on how AI and ChatGPT can energize your work: Brainstorm: When you're feeling stuck or lacking inspiration, ChatGPT can generate fresh ideas and provide creative input to help you overcome mental blocks. Feedback and edits: ChatGPT can offer suggestions for improving your work, identify strengths and weaknesses, and help refine your ideas or projects. Problem-solving: If you encounter challenges or obstacles in your work, you can discuss them with ChatGPT to gain different perspectives and potential solutions. Motivation and encouragement: ChatGPT can provide encouragement and inspiration to help you stay focused, boosting your productivity and morale. Task and time management: ChatGPT can assist you in organizing and prioritizing your tasks, creating to-do lists, and setting achievable goals, which can enhance your workflow and efficiency. It can also help create effective schedules, reminders and time-blocking techniques, optimize your workday and help support a healthy, work-life balance.
While ChatGPT can provide valuable support and ways to energize your work, it's not a replacement for human interactions or insights. Use it as a tool to complement what you are doing and allow yourself to get curious about the possibilities. As the conversation of AI and ChatGPT continues to unfold, it's important to remember they are ultimately only tools designed to complement human expertise and judgment. In other words, AI and ChatGPT are not a replacement for your years of experience in the field or the investment in your education. Yvette Quantz, RDN, LDN, will never turn down an invitation to connect over coffee. Serving as NE's Member Awards Chair, she loves supporting dietitians working to make an impact. When not supporting her clients, colleagues, or community to nourish an elevated life with words, food, and service, she's soaking up time and sharing adventures with the people she loves.
nedpg.org | 17
POLICY ADVOCACY CORNER
News from Your Policy Advocacy Leader S U SA N A DA M S MS, RD, LDN, FAND POLICY ADVOCACY LEADER
I am Susan Adams, your policy advocacy leader (PAL). Are you interested in policy and advocacy in the food, nutrition and dietetics world? You should be. Policy drives change in our profession. Yes, policy and advocacy can be confusing, but it does not have to be. That is where I come in. Read our Policy Advocacy Corner in NE Ventures to learn more about policy, advocacy, and how you can get involved. Let me introduce you to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Affinity Groups.There is a group for whatever area of policy you are interested in. You can get involved and connect with fellow Academy members to advocate for top policy priorities impacting our profession. The advocacy affinity groups meet once a month (you can try out just one month to see if you like it) and are a forum-based event where staff, policy leaders and members discuss Academy advocacy priorities and strategies, share their experiences and determine how they can become involved in advocating. The good news is that you don’t actually have to be an expert in this area; all you have
to do is sign up, attend for an hour once a month and learn. Go ahead, take the leap and try out one of these groups. Who knows, you might like it and learn something that will help you, your business and our profession. Please note: Academy Affinity Groups are available to Academy members only. Interested? Simply log into www. eatrightpro.org and search “Academy Affinity Groups” and you will be taken to a page to sign up for each individual group. Once you sign up, you will be sent via email a Zoom link for that month’s meeting. Connect with the group that will serve your passion. See below for additional information on Affinity Groups.
MNT EXPANSION AFFINITY GROUP Meets the first Tuesday of every month from 3:30-4:30 p.m. EST This group meets to discuss expansion of MNT coverage via Medicare.
NUTRITION SECURITY AFFINITY GROUP Meets the first Wednesday of every month from 4-5 p.m. EST This group explores federal and private involvement in issues surrounding nutrition security to our U.S. population.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH AFFINITY GROUP Meets the second Wednesday of every month from 4-5 p.m. EST This group explores all areas of material and child health, legislation and breastfeeding advocacy.
LICENSURE AFFINITY GROUP Meets the first Tuesday of every month from 3:30-4:30 p.m. EST This group discusses the individual details surrounding each state’s licensure laws and how they affect our profession.
18 | nedpg.org
DIETARY GUIDELINES AFFINITY GROUP Meets the third Wednesday of every month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. EST This affinity group discusses and advocates for areas important to the dietetics profession that are (or might be) impacting future versions of The Dietary Guidelines.
REIMBURSEMENT AND PAYMENT AFFINITY GROUP Meets the fourth Tuesday of every month, 2-3 p.m. ET This group discusses and advocates for increased reimbursement and payment within the often confusing and nuanced privatehealth-insurance environment. Try these Affinity Groups out and if this is not your thing, come back next time and learn another “pearl” of information on how to connect, learn and impact policy and advocacy. Thank you for adding policy and advocacy to your plate. Come back to this column for another “bite” of real-time information that will impact your profession and business Susan Adams, MS, RD, LDN, FAND, is a Registered Dietitian who consults with assisted living accounts and an educator at La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that specializes in educating the next generation of nutrition professionals. She believes that food and nutrition heals others and enjoys helping the next generation and the greatest generation. Susan loves potatoes and has never met a potato that she didn’t like.
2022 - 2023 NE Award Recipients Y VE TT E Q UA N T Z RDN, LDN MEMBER AWARDS
The members of Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nutrition and dietetics. I’m continually amazed and inspired by the work, achievements and innovation of this group. Needless to say, you gave our voting committee a challenge with your award nominations. It is with pleasure we announce the 2022 - 2023 Outstanding NE Award and Professional Development Dietetic Student Award recipients. The Outstanding NE Award is presented to a member demonstrating originality and dedication to entrepreneurism in nutrition. The Professional Development Dietetic Student Award recognizes emerging leadership and achievements of students in ACEND-accredited and approved dietetic education programs. Both awards encourage continuing entrepreneurial endeavors to enhance and improve nutrition and dietetics.
2022 - 2023 Outstanding Nutrition Entrepreneur: Rebecca Bitzer, MS, RD, LD, CEDRD Rebecca Bitzer has been a pioneer in the world of private practice, dedicated her time to giving back to the dietitian community, and mentored entrepreneurs desiring to start their own private practices. Rebecca founded Rebecca Bitzer and Associates in 1987. During her tenure, she grew her private practice to a team of nine dietitians that expanded to four different locations in the Maryland area. Unlike today, Rebecca started her practice and created all the foundations on her own without the help of any business coaching, Facebook groups, online courses or webinars. She truly was one of the original pioneers of a group practice of dietitians. Rebecca used these skills to offer business coaching for other dietitians interested in starting their own private practices and many, I included, have attributed their current success to her assistance and mentorship. Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the entrepreneurial world and has been a leader in building up new entrepreneurs within the dietetic community. Rebecca has generously given back to the community of dietitians through her various volunteer activities. She held leadership positions as Nutrition Entrepreneur private practice chair and mentor coordinator for two years, respectively. Additionally, she has served on the Sports and Cardiovascular Nutrition (SCAN) Leadership Committee for three years and Dietitians in Functional Medicine board member for one year. On behalf of all members of Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG, we are grateful for Rebecca Bitzer leading the way as a nutrition entrepreneur.
2022 - 2023 Professional Development Dietetic Student: Kara Gruntner Kara Gruntner is completing her Master's in community medical dietetics and internship through Viterbo University. Kara’s passion for her school work and the dietetics field is evident in her top-notch performance in her rotations and classes. Her thirst for knowledge was recognized not only for her in-class participation but also for her request for more information outside of class and her desire to participate in a study-abroad nutrition course this summer where she will provide nutrition counseling to Olympic athletes in Spain. Kara’s passion for entrepreneurship and the nutrition field was clear in her work. During her internship, she has been recognized for her creative ideas, production of top-notch nutrition education materials, and ability to adapt and change as needed. On behalf of all members of Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG, we can’t wait to see Kara Gruntner grow as a nutrition entrepreneur.
nedpg.org | 19
Ventures
S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 | VO L U M E L I I | N U M B E R 1
6301 Snidercrest Rd Mason, OH 45040
Upcoming NE Events Four Levers to Increase Revenue TUESDAY, JULY 18, AT 1 P.M. ET
Speakers: Nadine Keller and Linda Knox Creating Unique Employee Wellness Programs TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, AT NOON. ET
Speaker: Gisela Bouvier, MBA, RDN, LDN Five Ways to Get Started with Weight-Inclusive Care TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, AT 1 P.M. ET
Speaker: Heather Caplan, RDN
Halfie Hours Monthly on the third Wednesday each month at 12:30 p.m. ET. Watch your inbox and social media for registration updates.
Mastermind Pilot will kick off on Wednesday August 16, 2023, from noon-1 p.m. EST. NE DPG plans to host mastermind virtual sessions every other month, so keep a lookout for registration announcements in your inbox or via NEdpg.org.